System and method for joining and distributing a single optical fiber cable to multiple rack shelves

ABSTRACT

A breakout box, breakout box system, and method for management of optical fibers. The breakout box system provides a pass-through system for connecting optical fibers to network rack modules. The external routing of incoming and outgoing cables around the rack is kept neat and orderly, with one large cable serving a plurality of shelves. The breakout of the cable and distribution of the fibers to the individual modules occurs inside the breakout boxes and bridges, which provide protection for the fibers while still allowing easy access for fiber handling by means of the removable lids.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates generally to optical fibercommunication networks, devices, and/or methods and, more particularly,to data centers, devices, and/or related methods.

BACKGROUND

Optical fibers are used in various types of communication networks. In atypical optical fiber communication network, a large bundle of opticalfibers is separated into smaller bundles (e.g., cables) and routed toany of a plurality of network racks. At each rack these smaller cablesare then further separated into groupings that are distributed tonetwork modules or “shelves” mounted in these network racks. Thesenetwork modules are typically sized according to a standardized rackunit (RU) equal to 1.75″ tall. A standard rack can hold several dozennetwork modules, creating many separation points for the optical fibercable.

Working with these large bundles of optical fiber poses a challenge inrouting and handling of the optical fibers, which can be prone tobreakage from improper handling or management. A single large incomingbundle of optical fibers is frequently routed along the outside of therack, with individual optical fibers separated from the bundle at eachnetwork module. The optical fibers can be unwieldy and easily damaged,leading to additional installation time and cost from improper handlingand/or installation. As such, a need presently exists for improveddevices and methods of ensuring optical fibers are maintained in anorderly and protected fashion during installation.

SUMMARY

Optical fiber network devices, systems, and related methods are providedherein. These devices and systems can provide an improved method forjoining and distributing an optical fiber cable to multiple network rackmodules.

Devices and systems disclosed herein provide a new way to route opticalfibers into multiple rack shelves while minimizing clutter and providingprotection for the fibers. Breakout boxes can advantageously mount toone or more shelf or shelves, and can in some aspects mount to networkrack shelves or modules such as for example at the rear corner of theshelves, accommodating shelf designs that have front and rear slidingcapability. Additionally, shelves having rear doors are compatible witha breakout box system, which can be assembled so as not to obstruct therear of the shelf. The modular nature of the system, together withbridges of various lengths, provides flexibility to adapt the system tomultiple configurations of rack shelves and fiber count needs.Furthermore, the system is not limited solely to optical fiber networks,but can also be used for a variety of cable routing scenarios.

With a system as disclosed herein, the routing of incoming and outgoingcables around the rack is kept neat and orderly, with one large cableserving a plurality of shelves. The breakout of the cable anddistribution of the fibers to the individual shelves occurs inside thebreakout boxes and bridges, which provide protection for the fiberswhile still allowing easy access for fiber handling by the removablelids.

In some aspects, optical fiber cables can be distributed to network rackmodules by an optical fiber breakout box. The breakout box can have abase section with three walls, and a removable cover that has a threadedferrule on an inlet opening. The rear wall of the breakout box hasseveral exit openings to provide a passageway that connects the opticalfibers with the rack modules. There can be an additional opening in thebreakout box to pass through any optical fibers that are not beingrouted to the network modules.

In other aspects, multiple optical fiber breakout boxes can be part of asystem, where a plurality of breakout boxes can connect to one anothervia bridges. The bridges are enclosed to provide a continuous, protectedpath for routing fibers to each shelf spanned by the chained boxes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter is setforth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, includingreference to the accompanying figures (also, “figs.”) that are givenmerely by way of explanatory and non-limiting example, relating to oneor more example embodiments, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an optical fiberbreakout box assembled in a network rack;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the optical fiberbreakout box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the breakout box ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an optical fiberbreakout box system assembled in a network rack;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a bridgecomponent of the optical fiber breakout system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is an assembly view of another example embodiment of a bridgecomponent for use in an optical fiber breakout system;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of different example embodimentsof optical fiber breakout systems; and

FIG. 8 is an assembly view of another embodiment of an optical fiberbreakout system assembled in a network rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present subject matter provides optical fiber breakout devices,systems, and methods capable of improving ease of installation ofoptical fibers in optical fiber communication networks, specifically inoptical fiber network racks. In this way, the devices, systems, andmethods disclosed herein can be used to reduce installation time andcost, as well as to aid in preventing damage to the optical fibers whilethey are segregated from the larger optical fiber bundle and connectedto respective and/or corresponding rack modules within the network rackassociated with the optical fiber bundle.

Specifically, for example, in one aspect, the present subject matterprovides a solution to allow for separation and “breakout” of individualfibers from a larger optical fiber bundle.

In one aspect, an example embodiment of a breakout box, generallydesignated 100, for optical cables is shown, in FIG. 1, mounted tonetwork modules M (e.g., “shelves”) mounted in network rack R. In atypical network application, an optical fiber cable 900 is supplied to anetwork rack R from an area above the rack aisle, and cable 900 is sized(e.g., has a certain number of optical fibers) according to the numberof network modules M installed in rack R. For example, in the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, optical fiber cable 900 has 864 fibers that provide 288fibers to each of the three network modules M. Because every connectionor fiber splice introduces potential losses in terms of signal strengthand sources of noise, it is desirable to use continuous, uninterruptedfibers whenever possible. An installer must therefore use considerablecare in handling optical fiber cable 900 as it is fed into network rackR. A breakout box 100 according to this example embodiment is configuredto protect the individual fibers within optical fiber cable 900, asthese individual fibers are routed alongside and separated into networkmodules M.

Breakout box 100 is mounted directly to network modules M on networkrack R. Breakout box 100 accepts optical fiber cable 900 on a first(e.g., upper) side, as shown in FIG. 1. Inside breakout box 100,individual fibers are separated into groups. The groups of fibers arethen fed through exit openings in a module-facing (e.g., rear) side ofbreakout box 100. One breakout box 100 can service, for example, threenetwork modules M. However, it can also be envisioned that breakout box100 can be configured to provide optical fibers to other numbers (e.g.,one, two, four, five, or six or more) of network modules M. Any excessfibers not assigned to be connected to network modules M, to whichbreakout box 100 is attached at the module-facing side thereof, can befed through a second (e.g., lower) side of breakout box 100 to beprovided to other network modules installed elsewhere (e.g., above orbelow) in another portion of rack R.

In some embodiments, it is advantageous for breakout box 100 to bemounted on a rear side panel of module M in a position so that networkmodules M to be movable. Many conventional types of network modules Mare designed to slide forward or backward to access the interior of thenetwork module. Breakout box 100 is thus configured to allow networkmodule M, or a section thereof, to travel without interfering with suchtranslator motion or with cooling airflow paths, which typically flow ina front-to-back direction.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, greater detail of breakout box 100 is shownin the exploded view of FIG. 2 and the perspective assembled view ofFIG. 3. There are two main portions of breakout box 100: a base section110 and a removable cover 120. Base section 110 has two lateral sidewalls 112, which are shown attached on either side of a rear wall 114,which is configured to be mounted against the network modules to whichthe optical fibers are being provided (see, e.g., FIG. 1). Side walls112 as shown have a substantially trapezoidal shape, such that thecross-sectional shape (e.g., width or height, as shown in FIG. 2) ofside walls 112 decreases as the distance away from rear wall 114increases. Other configurations and shapes are envisioned as well. Rearwall 114 is substantially flat along a height thereof, with an optionalflange at the top and bottom of rear wall 114 for added structuralrigidity. Rear wall 114 has one or more exit openings 116 formed thereinfor the passage of optical fibers from the optical fiber bundle (see,e.g., 900 in FIG. 1). Rear wall 114 can have a plurality, e.g., two,three, or more of exit openings 116 formed therein. Rear wall 114 canhave any number of exit openings 116 formed therein, the number beingdependent on the number of network modules to which breakout box 100 isto be connected. In some embodiments, protective inserts 118 areprovided in one or more of exit openings 116 in order to protect opticalfibers passing into a network module from damage, which may occur duringinstallation or during operation, particularly if modules M areconfigured to slide. These protective inserts 118 can be made of anysuitable non-abrasive material (e.g., rubber, silicone, plastic, and thelike) Exit openings 116 are shown as having a circular cross-sectionalshape, but any suitable cross-sectional shape can be selected for exitopenings 116. In some embodiments where a network rack may have an emptyspace where a network module is not installed, exit openings 116 mayinclude a cover (e.g., a rubber grommet or any suitable plug) that fillsexit openings 116 at the empty spot within the network rack.

Removable cover 120 is formed to fit the shape and/or profile (e.g.,trapezoidal) of side walls 112, having a first angled surface 124, asecond angled surface 126, and a central surface 128 connected betweenthe first and second angled surfaces 124 and 126. Side walls 112 have atleast one mounting tab 138 formed therein, with internally threadedmounting holes formed so that base section 110 can be securely attachedto removable cover 120 by screws 122 passing through corresponding holesformed in central portion 126 of removable cover 120. While the at leastone mounting tab 138 is shown as having internally threaded holes 138Hdisposed thereon, such that base section 110 is configured to besecurely mounted (e.g., fixed) to cover 120 by one or more (e.g., aplurality of) screws 122, any suitable fastening arrangement can beused. At least one inlet opening (e.g., a first opening) 132 is formedin and/or through a thickness of first angled surface 124. A deviceknown as a cable gland, which can also be described as a threadedferrule 130, is also disposed on, secured to, and/or formed integral tofirst angled surface 124, such that inlet opening 132 passes throughthreaded ferrule 130, aligned along the longitudinal axis of threadedferrule 130. Threaded ferrule 130 is configured to receive an incomingoptical fiber cable (see, e.g., 900, FIG. 1) and also to prevent excessbending (e.g., bending in excess of a specified minimum bend radius forcable bundle 900) and to lock the cable bundle in place relative tonetwork modules M and/or breakout box 100. This locking in place can beaccomplished, for example, by threadably installing (e.g., screwing on)of a first part of threaded ferrule 130 over a second part of threadedferrule 130, wherein the second part of threaded ferrule 130 isconfigured to remain secured to first angled surface 124 while the firstpart of threaded ferrule 130 is threadably engaged with and/ordisengaged from the second part of threaded ferrule 130.

Breakout box 100 also has a second opening 134 formed in and/or througha thickness of second angled surface 126. Second opening 134 can beomitted in some embodiments, such as, for example, where breakout box100 is disposed at a terminal end (e.g., the last, such as a top orbottom) of the optical fiber bundle servicing the network modules withinthe network rack. Second opening 134 is configured as an exit foroptical fibers of the large optical fiber cable bundle (e.g., 900,FIG. 1) which are not designated for connection to network modules, towhich breakout box 100 is attached. These non-designated optical fibersare thus routed out of second opening 134 to another breakout box, forexample, or to another area of the network rack. A protective insert 136is located within second opening 134 to prevent damage to optical fiberson the edges of second opening 134, as these optical fibers passtherethrough. Protective insert 136 may be omitted in some embodiments,such as, for example, where the optical fibers have their own protectivesheathing. In some embodiments, protective insert 136 is configured as aplug to block the passage of objects through second opening 134. Basesection 110 is connected to rack modules by, for example, holes 114Hprovided in rear wall 114 of base section 110 by threaded screws 122,which are configured to threadably engage with threaded features in thenetwork modules to which breakout box 100 is attached.

Referring to FIGS. 4 through 8, various example embodiments of breakoutbox systems are shown where optical cable bundle (e.g., 900, FIG. 1)contains optical fibers that are designated for other network modules,which pass through second opening 134. In the embodiment shown in FIG.4, a breakout box system, generally designated 500, includes two or morebreakout boxes 100 connected to one another by a bridge 200. Bridge 200is configured to fit between breakout boxes 100, such that the opticalfibers housed therein are substantially completely enclosed (e.g.,closed to prevent physical intrusion, but not necessarily hermiticallysealed) within breakout box system 500. Breakout box system 500 isconfigured to be mounted in a network rack R and connected to aplurality of network modules M. Network modules M are located adjacentto one another. Network shelves are typically arranged according to RackUnits (RU), with mounting points in 1 RU increments. Bridge 200 providesenclosed connection to groups of network modules M with substantially nospacing therebetween (e.g., 0 RU, but clearance and/or tolerance gaps,such as 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and the like are permitted). In the exampleembodiment of FIG. 4, six network modules M are shown, but otherquantities of network modules M are possible, up to and including allnetwork modules M installed in network rack R.

Referring to FIG. 5, detailed view of a first embodiment of a bridge,generally designated 200, is illustrated. Bridge 200 has a front wall212 and two lateral side walls 214 attached at the outer edges of frontwall 212. In some embodiments, side walls 214 can be inset and attachedto front wall 212 at a location within the perimeter of front wall 212,such that a portion of front wall 212 protrudes beyond side walls 214,forming a flange for additional structural support, as well as apotential gripping section. Side walls 214 are configured to contactouter surfaces of first and second angled surfaces 124 and 126 ofbreakout box 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 7A) and therefore have a complementaryprofile disposed at a substantially similar angle to form substantiallycontinuous interface region therebetween. Bridge 200 is configured to beattached to one or more adjacent breakout boxes (see, e.g., 100, FIG.7A) by, for example tabs 224, which are integrally formed in and/or onside walls 214. Tabs 224 are arranged so as to be substantiallyorthogonal (e.g., 90°+/−10°, 5°, 2°, or 1°) to a plane defined a sidewalls 214 to which each tab 224 is respectively attached, and aresubstantially parallel to a plane of the first or second angled surface(see, e.g., 124 and 126, FIGS. 2 and 3). Tabs 224 have holes 224H formedtherein (e.g., through a thickness of tab 224). Holes 224H are locatedso as to be substantially aligned with threaded holes (see, e.g., 126H,FIG. 3) formed in angled surfaces 124 and 126 of breakout box 100 (see,e.g., FIG. 7A) and are secured to an adjacent breakout box 100 bythreadably engaging a screw 122 through each hole 324 in each tab 324and into threaded holes (see, e.g., 126H, FIG. 3) of the adjacentbreakout box 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 7B). Other types of fasteners andtypes of attachment will be readily understood by those having ordinaryskill in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7B, and 8, another example embodiment is shown,where network modules M are not arranged and/or installed directlyadjacent to one another in network rack R. In such embodiments, analternative bridge, generally designated 300 in FIG. 6, is used to forman alternate embodiment of a breakout box system, generally designated500′ in FIG. 7B.

Referring to FIG. 6, a bridge, generally designated 300, is used toconnect network modules that are spaced apart on a network rack. Bridge300 is, according to some embodiments, a longer version of bridge 200(see, e.g., FIG. 5) and can be designed, in some embodiments, to connectnetwork modules that are separated by, for example, 0.5 RU, 1 RU, 2 RU,or more. While it is contemplated that bridge 300 may have a telescopingfeature to provide an adjustable length, in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 6, 7B, and 8, bridge 300 has a fixed length, but the length ofbridge is selected to correspond to the gap between adjacent networkmodules in a network rack. Because bridge 300 spans a longer distance aswell as a gap, through which optical fibers contained therein could beaccessible via the gap between adjacent network modules (see, e.g., FIG.8), bridge 300 has a base portion, generally designated 310, and a rearcover, generally designated 320.

FIG. 6 illustrates one example embodiment of a bridge, generallydesignated 300. As noted above, bridge 300 has two main parts: a baseportion, generally designated 310, and a removable rear cover, generallydesignated 320. Base portion 310 has a front wall 312 and two side walls314, which are formed integrally with front wall 312 and extend in aplane that is substantially orthogonal (e.g., 90°+/−10°, 5°, 2°, or 1°)to front wall 312. As was discussed relative to bridge 200 relative toFIG. 5, side walls 314 may be formed inwards from the perimeter of frontwall 312, in a manner that would allow for front wall 312 to protrudebeyond one or both side walls 314, thus forming a structural flange forgripping and increased ruggedness. As can be seen in FIG. 8, side walls314 are configured to contact first or second angled surfaces 124 and126 of adjacent breakout boxes 100 and, therefore, have a profile and/orangle similar to an angle of the plane defined by the first or secondangled surface of the adjacent breakout box 100. Rear cover 320 has arear wall 326, which is in a plane that is substantially parallel to theplane defined by front wall 312, and side flange portions 328, whichextend away from rear wall 326 in a plane that is substantiallyorthogonal (e.g., 90°+/−10°, 5°, 2°, or 1°) to rear wall 326 and issubstantially parallel (e.g., within 10°, 5°, 2°, or 1°) to a planedefined by side walls 314. Rear cover 320 is configured to be attachedto base portion 310 by, for example and without limitation, one or morethreaded holes 328H, which are disposed on and/or formed integrallythrough a thickness of side flange portions 328 of rear cover 320, andscrews 322 which pass through holes 314H that are disposed on and/orintegrally formed through a thickness of side walls 314 of base portion310, thus clamping each side wall 314 against a respective side flangeportion 328 by threadably engaging each screw 322 with and/or into acorresponding hole 328H to assemble base portion 310 and rear cover 320.Bridge 300 also is configured for attachment to one or more (e.g., atleast two, or a plurality of) breakout boxes 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). Inthe example embodiment in FIG. 6, tabs 324 are integrally formed onand/or from a portion of each side wall 314 of base portion 310. Tabs324 are arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal (e.g., 90°+/−10°,5°, 2°, or 1°) to a plane defined a side walls 314 to which each tab 324is respectively attached, and are substantially parallel to a plane ofthe first or second angled surface (see, e.g., 124 and 126, FIGS. 2, 3,and 8). Tabs 324 have holes 324H formed therein (e.g., through athickness of tab 324). Holes 324H are located so as to be substantiallyaligned with threaded holes (see, e.g., 126H, FIG. 3) formed in angledsurfaces 124 and 126 of breakout box 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 7B) and aresecured to an adjacent breakout box 100 by threadably engaging a screw122 through each hole 324 in each tab 324 and into threaded holes (see,e.g., 126H, FIG. 3) of the adjacent breakout box 100 (see, e.g., FIG.7B). Other types of fasteners and types of attachment will be readilyunderstood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

FIGS. 7A-7B depict breakout box systems, generally designated 500 and500′, respectively, to illustrate the installation of bridges 200 and300, respectively, in an installed position between two breakout boxes100. Breakout box system 500 uses bridge 200 as a connection between twobreakout boxes 100. Breakout system 500′ uses bridge 300 as a connectionbetween two breakout boxes 100.

Referring to FIG. 8, a method of deploying breakout box system 500′ isshown via an exploded view. The method includes the steps of: mountingbase section 110 onto one or more (e.g., a plurality of) network modulesM by screws (see, e.g., 122, FIG. 2), as previously describedhereinabove; inserting an optical fiber cable bundle 900 into cover 120through ferrule 130; separating the Optical fiber cable bundle 900 intofiber groups 910, 920, 930 for each network module M; extending thefiber groupings through their respective exit openings 116 into acorresponding network module M, to be terminated as desired within eachnetwork module M; feeding optical fibers that are not designated for thefirst grouping of network modules M through second opening 134;arranging within base section 110 and fitting cover 120 onto basesection 110 to be fixedly attached thereto; and tightening ferrule 130to prevent cable 900 from moving relative thereto.

In a further embodiment of the method, these steps can be repeated witha second breakout box 101, which does not have a ferrule 130 disposedthereon, but is otherwise substantially identical to breakout box 100.Second breakout box 101 is configured to be connected, mounted, orotherwise attached to one or more additional network modules M.According to this further embodiment, the method includes the steps ofattaching a bridge 200 or 300 to and between breakout box 100 andbreakout box 101 and connecting breakout box 100 and breakout box 101 byeither bridge 200 or bridge 300.

The step of installing bridge 200 includes the steps of: insertingbridge 200 between breakout box 100 and breakout box 101 to coveroptical cables that are exposed and/or disposed therebetween andthreadably engaging a screw 122 through each of a plurality of holes224H formed in tabs 224 of bridge 200 (see, e.g., FIG. 5) and into acorresponding hole 124H or 126H of breakout box 100 or 101 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 2 and 3), thus securing and/or attaching (e.g., in a removablemanner) bridge 200 to each of breakout box 100 and breakout box 101.

The step of installing bridge 300 includes the steps of: inserting baseportion 310 between breakout box 100 and breakout box 101 to cover, onat least one side, optical cables that are exposed and/or disposedtherebetween; threadably engaging a screw 122 through each of aplurality of holes 324H formed in tabs 324 of base portion 310 (see,e.g., FIG. 6) and into a corresponding hole 124H or 126H of breakout box100 or 101 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3), thus securing and/or attaching(e.g., in a removable manner) base portion 310 to each of breakout box100 and breakout box 101; attaching rear cover 320 to base portion 310by threadably engaging screws 322 through holes 314H and into holes328H, thus securing and/or attaching (e.g., in a removable manner) rearcover 320 to base portion 310. In some embodiments, both base portion310 and rear cover 320 may be attached to one or both of breakout box100 and/or breakout box 101, whether by threadable engagement of screws122 or any other suitable type of attachment, such as, for example,deformable tabs being inserted into slots for retention.

In some such embodiments, the method may include repeating the steps forinstalling and distributing optical fibers into and/or through aplurality of breakout boxes 101. In these embodiments, bridge 200 or 300may be installed between two breakout boxes 101.

In some embodiments a protective mesh sleeve 400 can be applied to oneor more (e.g., all, or a plurality of) fiber groups 910, 920, 930 priorto the step of feeding fiber groups 910, 920, 930 into a respectivenetwork module M via a corresponding exit hole 116.

While the subject matter has been described herein with reference tospecific aspects, features, and illustrative embodiments, it will beappreciated that the utility of the subject matter is not thus limited,but rather extends to and encompasses numerous other variations,modifications and alternative embodiments, as will suggest themselves tothose of ordinary skill in the field of the present subject matter,based on the disclosure herein.

Various combinations and sub-combinations of the structures and featuresdescribed herein are contemplated and will be apparent to a skilledperson having knowledge of this disclosure. Any of the various featuresand elements as disclosed herein can be combined with one or more otherdisclosed features and elements unless indicated to the contrary herein.Correspondingly, the subject matter as hereinafter claimed is intendedto be broadly construed and interpreted, as including all suchvariations, modifications and alternative embodiments, within its scopeand including equivalents of the claimed elements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A breakout box for optical fibers, the breakoutbox comprising: a base section configured to be connected to a pluralityof network modules in a network rack; and a removable cover forattaching to the base section, the removable cover comprising: a firstangled surface comprising at least a first opening; a second surface;and a central surface disposed between the first and second surfaces,wherein the base section has a plurality of exit openings for passage ofone or more optical fibers into the network modules.
 2. The breakout boxof claim 1, comprising a ferrule disposed on and/or in, at leastpartially, the first opening, wherein the ferrule is configured toreceive an optical fiber cable bundle therethrough.
 3. The breakout boxof claim 2, the second surface is an angled surface.
 4. The breakout boxof claim 1, comprising a protective insert in at least one of the one ormore exit openings.
 5. The breakout box of claim 1, comprising a secondopening formed on the second surface, wherein a plug or protectiveinsert is disposed on and/or in, at least partially, the second opening.6. The breakout box of claim 1, wherein the base section comprises sidewalls and a rear wall, and wherein the one or more exit openings aredisposed in the rear wall.
 7. The breakout box of claim 1, wherein theone or more exit openings are three exit openings for passage of one ormore optical fibers to each of three rack modules through acorresponding one of the three exit openings.
 8. The breakout box ofclaim 2, wherein the ferrule receives an optical fiber cable with 864optical fibers therein.
 9. A breakout box system for optical fibers, thebreakout box system comprising: at least first and second breakoutboxes, each breakout box comprising: a base section configured to beconnected to a plurality of network modules in a network rack; and aremovable cover for attaching to the base section, the removable covercomprising: a first angled surface and a second surface, comprisingfirst and second openings, respectively; and a central surface disposedbetween the first and second surfaces, wherein the base section has aplurality of exit openings for passage of one or more optical fibersinto the network modules; and at least one bridge configured to connectthe first and second breakout boxes so that optical fibers housed withinare substantially fully enclosed, wherein the first opening of the firstand/or second breakout box is configured for receiving an optical fibercable bundle.
 10. The breakout box system of claim 9, wherein the atleast one bridge comprises side walls and a front wall, and wherein theside walls are configured to match the first or second surfaces of thebreakout box.
 11. The breakout box system of claim 9, wherein the atleast one bridge comprises a removable rear cover configured to attachto the side walls of the bridge, so that the at least one bridge fullyencloses optical fibers disposed between the first and second breakoutboxes.
 12. The breakout box system of claim 11, wherein the first andsecond breakout boxes are spaced apart by more than 0 Rack Units (0 RU)therebetween.
 13. The breakout box system of claim 9, comprising one ormore protective sleeves for covering the one or more optical fiberspassing into the one or more network modules through a corresponding oneof the one or more exit openings.
 14. The breakout box system of claim9, comprising a plurality of breakout boxes and a plurality of bridges,wherein at least one of the plurality of bridges is installed betweeneach adjacent breakout box of the plurality of breakout boxes.
 15. Thebreakout box system of claim 9, wherein the breakout box system isconnected and/or mounted at a rear or side corner of a network rack,and/or wherein the optical fiber cables are supplied to the network rackfrom an area above a network rack aisle in a data center, and/or whereinthe breakout box is configured to allow the network module to slide withrespect to the rack without interfering with motion or cooling airflowpaths.
 16. A method of routing optical fibers to one or more networkmodules in a network rack, the method comprising: providing a firstbreakout box, wherein the first breakout box comprises: a base section;a removable cover for attaching to the base section; at least a firstopening; and a threaded ferrule disposed on the first opening, whereinthe base section has one or more exit openings; mounting the basesection to the one or more network modules; feeding an optical fibercable bundle through the ferrule; separating one or more optical fibersfrom the optical fiber cable bundle; passing at least one of the one ormore separated optical fibers through at least one of the one or moreexit openings and into a corresponding network module; terminating theone or more optical fibers within the network modules; attaching theremovable cover to the base section; and tightening the ferrule.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, comprising, after separating the one or more opticalfibers from the optical fiber cable bundle, feeding the optical fibercable bundle through a second opening of the breakout box.
 18. Themethod of claim 16, comprising: providing a second breakout box, whereinthe second breakout box comprises: a base section; a removable cover forattaching to the base section; and at least a first opening; wherein thebase section has one or more exit openings; mounting the base section ofthe second breakout box to the one or more additional network modules;providing at least one bridge comprising a base portion comprising sidewalls and a front wall; feeding the optical fiber cable bundle throughthe first opening of the second breakout box; separating one or moreoptical fibers from the optical fiber cable bundle; passing at least oneof the one or more separated optical fibers through at least one of theone or more exit openings of the second breakout box and into acorresponding network module of the additional network modules; andterminating the one or more optical fibers within the additional networkmodules; attaching the removable cover to the base section; andconnecting the at least one bridge to the first and second breakoutboxes such that the optical fiber cable bundle disposed therebetween issubstantially fully enclosed within.
 19. The method of claim 18, whereinconnecting the at least one bridge comprises connecting the base portionto the first and second breakout boxes, respectively.
 20. The method ofclaim 18, comprising attaching a removable rear cover of the at leastone bridge to the side walls of the bridge to substantially fullyenclose the optical fiber cable bundle disposed between the first andsecond breakout boxes.
 21. The method of claim 16, comprising enclosingone or more of the separated optical fibers in a protective mesh sleeve.22. The method of claim 16, comprising inserting a protective insertinto at least one of the one or more exit openings to protect opticalfibers passing therethrough.
 23. The method of claim 16, wherein one ormore network modules comprise at least three network modules.